Winch slipping

[nestorph]

Apparently no good deed goes unpunished. I elected to clean and re-grease the winches since I had no idea when the PO had done so. At the first sail after the cleaning, both winches began to slip back after winching in the jib sheets. I was even to do replicate the problem when they weren't even under a load. I opened and rechecked the assembly and everything appears in order. The one thing I did not do was replace the pawl springs with new ones since the existing ones appeared OK. Is it possible that the springs are the problem? I've purchased replacements but haven't had a chance to install them but wondering if that's even going to affect a change.

 

[justsomeguy]

What type of lube did you use on the pawls?

 

[Ted]

It sounds like you may have put the pawls in backwards. On some winches they can be put in two ways and still look almost correct. All will be fine until you start using them. What model winches did you service?

 

[Joe]

What type of lube did you use on the pawls?

My immediate thought also..... pawls are stuck because you used grease instead of light oil. In any event, you'll have to remove the drum again and redo the pawls. It's not the springs, it's either the incorrect re installation of them, or grease on the pawls.

 

[nestorph]

Seems like the consensus is I got grease on the pawls. I used Lewmar winch grease for the gears and Lewmar oil for the pawls and thought I was using them sparingly. Apparently another disassembly is in the cards!
Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Chris Patterson]

I'm not sure about yours, but my springs are oriented only one way.

 

[Gunni]

Did you do the job right?
It is relatively easy. If you do it right.

 

[nestorph]

Thanks for pointing that out. Great help! ;-)

Did you do the job right?
It is relatively easy. If you do it right.

 

[Gunni]

So, if you watch the Lewmar video you would have the answer to your own question - replace the pawl springs EVERY TIME you strip and clean your winches.

 

[nestorph]

Thanks, Gunni. I plan on replacing them as well as giving everything another thorough cleaning. I should be able to do it with my eyes closed by now...

So, if you watch the Lewmar video you would have the answer to your own question - replace the pawl springs EVERY TIME you strip and clean your winches.

 

[nestorph]

You can't fix stupid....

Just thought I'd report in that I did indeed screw up and installed one of the ratchet gears upside down. Flipped it over and everything works like a charm. Another ten minutes to do the same on the other winch and life is back on track.

Thanks to all for your patience and advice!

Nestor

 

[Stu Jackson]

Nestor, that's great. Glad it finally worked, and thanks for your honesty! Believe me, please, that almost all of us here know EXACTLY how you feel, and how you got there.

All the best.